Watching the NBC broadcast of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing gave me a sleepless night. Something about the ceremony and the games bothered me. I had to think it trough. What do you make of the following features of the Opening Ceremony? … [Read more...] about The Olympics Demonstrate China's "Soft Power": on Baloney and Silliness.
olympics
(Letter) Watching the Opening Ceremony with a few thousand Tianjiners
My wife and I, along with a German, an Aussie, a TCK (third culture kid), and an American watched the Opening Ceremonies on a giant screen in one of Tianjin's biggest parks. There were thousands of people there, and very few foreigners. We've posted pictures, video, and blogged the experience, particularly the crowd's reactions to different things (Watching the Opening … [Read more...] about (Letter) Watching the Opening Ceremony with a few thousand Tianjiners
Who got the loudest cheers at the Opening Ceremony?
One of the interesting things about the Opening Ceremony is the outside world gets to see (or is made to pay attention to) a slice of raw Chinese public opinion on full display. Besides obviously the home team, Taiwan probably got the loudest cheers from the Chinese crowd at the Bird's Nest today, a sure head-scratcher to foreign pundits stuck in a brain warp, I'm sure, but no … [Read more...] about Who got the loudest cheers at the Opening Ceremony?
Will we see a "Thank You, China" banner from the European and American attendants to the Olympics?
The closing ceremony parade would be the most appropriate occasion for such expression of appreciation. Who will be the most likely among the spectators to display such affectionate banners, resident laowais or first time visitors? … [Read more...] about Will we see a "Thank You, China" banner from the European and American attendants to the Olympics?
Japanese athletes and spectators brace against booing in Beijing. Are they over-reacting?
How will Japanese athletes and their supporters be received during the Olympic Games in Beijing? Will they be booed by Chinese spectators? Will the Chinese show the propriety to stand up in respect when the Japanese national flag is raised and the Japanese national anthem played in the award-giving ceremonies? From their past experiences in sports engagements with China, the … [Read more...] about Japanese athletes and spectators brace against booing in Beijing. Are they over-reacting?